At least two nights should be reserved for this must-see
city of 518,000. Utterly devastated in fire-bomb raids at the end of World
War II, Dresden has been rebuilt and is once again a charming city. Be
sure to visit Semper Opera House (if at all possible, attend a performance)
and the Albertinum Gallery with its famous Green Vault, one of Europe’s
most amazing treasuries. Also visit the Kreuzkirche (home of a famous
boys choir), Zwinger Palace (which has impressive collections of porcelain
and Old Masters). The suburb of Pillnitz contains the former summer
palace of the Saxon royal family, while in nearby Moritzburg there’s
a ducal hunting lodge in a large park, both of which make nice half-day
trips from Dresden. 120 mi/195 km south of Berlin.